Chip Card FAQs

Question:

What is a chip card?

Answer:

A chip card is a standard-size plastic debit or credit card that contains an embedded microchip, as well as the traditional magnetic stripe. The chip protects in-store payments because it generates a unique, one-time code that is needed for each transaction to be approved. It is virtually impossible for fraudsters to replicate this feature in counterfeit cards, providing you greater security and peace of mind when making transactions at a chip-enabled terminal.

Question:

Is a chip card different than a smart card or EMV card?

Answer:

No, you may hear chip cards referred to as "smart cards" or "EMV™ cards" – they are all different ways of referring to the same type of card. Similarly, an EMV terminal is the same as a chip-enabled terminal.

Question:

When can I expect to receive a new debit or credit card with chip technology?

Answer:

Your chip card debit card will be mailed to you soon.

Question:

Why will my First County Bank debit or credit card soon include a chip?

Answer:

As chip technology will soon become the security standard in the U.S., many merchants are beginning to accept chip cards and we want you to be ready. You'll have greater security when making purchases at a chip-enabled terminal since the chip provides better protection against counterfeit fraud. Chip technology is already used in over 130 countries around the world, including Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom, so you'll also enjoy greater acceptance when traveling internationally.

Question:

How does a chip card work?

Answer:

It's easy. If the retailer has a chip-enabled terminal, simply insert the chip end of your card face up into the terminal. The chip card will remain in the terminal while the transaction is processed. To authorize your transaction, just follow the prompts as you do today.

You'll be prompted to enter your PIN or to provide a signature as you normally would to verify the transaction. You may not be asked for a PIN when traveling internationally. Your card will remain in the terminal until the transaction is completed.

If the retailer is not equipped to read the chip card, just swipe as you do today. However, if you swipe your chip card at a chip-enabled terminal, the terminal may prompt you to insert your chip card into the terminal. Transactions made over the phone or online will not change.

Question:

Are chip cards safer to use than magnetic stripe cards?

Answer:

All of our cards are safe, and offer protection from unauthorized use of your card or account information. Chip technology offers another layer of security when used at a chip-reading terminal, because it generates a unique, one-time code that is needed for each transaction to be approved.

Question:

Can I use my chip card for all the same things as my old card?

Answer:

Yes, you can still make purchases as you always have — by entering the card number online or swiping your card at merchant locations that do not yet have chip readers. You can also continue to use your card at ATMs.

Question:

What about recurring payments on my old card?

Answer:

Just like anytime you get a new card, notify the merchants that charge your card, give them your card number, expiration date and the three-digit security code.

Question:

Where can I use my chip card?

Answer:

Many merchants, across the U.S. are beginning to accept chip card transactions and this will continue to grow within the coming years. Chip technology is already used in over 130 countries around the world, including Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom, so you'll enjoy greater acceptance when traveling internationally. Your chip card will still work at terminals where only magnetic stripe transactions are accepted.

Question:

Are chip cards secure?

Answer:

Yes. Chip technology has been around for over two decades and is already the security standard in many countries around the world. When purchases are made using the chip feature, the transaction is more secure because of a unique process that is used to determine if the card is authentic. This makes the card more difficult to counterfeit or copy.

While magnetic stripe cards are still considered secure, chip technology is the next step to providing enhanced security to our customers. Whether you use the magnetic stripe or the chip to make your purchase, you can have confidence in the protection and security features we provide for all credit and debit card accounts.

Remember, if you notice any suspicious activity on your account, notify us immediately by calling the number on the back of your card.

Question:

Will chip cards allow others to track my location?

Answer:

No. Chip card technology is not a locator system. The chip on your card is limited to supporting authentication of card data when you make a purchase.

Question:

Is a chip card the same as a contactless payment (PayPass™, payWave™)?

Answer:

No. Instead of waving or tapping your card in front of a device as you do with contactless payments, a chip card must be inserted face up into a chip-enabled merchant terminal. Remember to leave your card inserted into the terminal while the transaction is processed.

Question:

Do the same benefits come with my chip card that I had with my prior card?

Answer:

Yes. You'll continue to enjoy the same benefits with your chip card as you do today with your debit or credit card.

Question:

Now that I have a chip card, do I need to notify the bank before I travel internationally?

Answer:

We recommend that you set a travel notice on any card(s) you plan to use while traveling, so your card access isn't interrupted. For your protection, we'll continue to monitor card activity even when a travel notice is set. If you encounter any issues while traveling, we're here to help.

Question:

Are there any situations where I could experience issues using my chip card?

Answer:

When traveling outside the U.S., some card readers at unattended terminals (such as public transportation kiosks, gas pumps) will require a PIN. However, this type of PIN technology is different than what you normally use for PIN transactions in the U.S and the card won't be accepted. In these situations, please locate an attended terminal to complete your transaction or plan for an alternative payment method, such as local currency.

Question:

Will my chip card still work at an ATM?

Answer:

Yes. You can continue to use your card as you do today by following the instructions at an ATM.

"EMV" is a trademark owned by EMVCo LLC. "PayPass" is a trademark owned by MasterCard International Incorporated. "payWave" is a trademark owned by Visa, Inc.